National Centre for Australian Children's Literature

(Formerly The Lu Rees Archives)

The CBCA and the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature Inc (the ‘Centre’) are delighted to announce a formal partnership which will support our shared goal to promote and celebrate Australian creators of children’s books.

The Centre’s development

The Centre began as the Lu Rees Archives in 1974. Lu Rees, then President of the CBCA ACT Branch, proposed a national collection of Australian children’s books and files about the creators’ works. These would inspire teachers, librarians and caregivers who would share with children their enthusiasm and knowledge about children’s stories and their creators and so inspire a love of language, art and enhance literacy. The collection grew with publishers’ and creators’ support and moved to the University of Canberra in 1980 so it could develop further and inspire future teachers, librarians and the general community. Over 19 years, the CBCA provided funds for part-time staff to support and grow the Centre, so our two organisations have been collaborators for many years.

The Centre today is valued at over $10M and described as ‘unique’ and ‘significant’.

Exists as an independent body with a Board incorporated in the ACT

36 years of children’s books donated by Australian publishers and creators

32,000 books with 3,500 of these in 55 languages

65 collections of authors’ papers and manuscripts, and illustrators’ artworks

2 publishers’ archives

52 Cultural Gifts donated under the Department of Communications & the Arts

Audio, photographs, realia and rare material

20,000 people joined our outreach activities over the past five years.

The National Centre for Australian Children's Literature aims to be a dynamic and exciting place where young people discover words and images, where authors and illustrators share ideas, where researchers explore questions and where all ages are immersed in creative experiences.

A message from the National Centre for Australian Children's Literature Board:

Our new name reflects our vision for the future. Our literary past, present and future are preserved in the Centre, through the stories that touched our hearts and stirred our imaginations as children. It documents and shares the creative process, and inspires the next generation of readers with research collections, exhibitions and outreach activities.

At our AGM held on September 23, 2015, our Board and our members unanimously agreed to change our name from the Lu Rees Archives of Australian Children’s Literature Inc to the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature Inc.

Why are we doing this? The proposed new name succinctly states what we are, clearly conveys our intent and embodies our vision for the future. We will continue to honour Lu Rees, as our founder, through a long-established award in her name, and in other ways.

The National Centre for Australian Children's Literature is a comprehensive collection of books and other resources about authors, illustrators, publishers and their creative works. The resources are publicly available, and visitors are welcome during opening hours.

More information is available at the website (logo used with permission)

Book of the Year

In 1946 the CBCA established annual book awards to promote children's books of high literary and artistic quality. These awards are now the most influential and highly respected in Australia.

Children's Book Week

Each year, schools and public libraries across Australia spend a week celebrating books, and Australian authors and illustrators. Teachers and librarians conduct activities relating to a theme to highlight the importance of reading.

Merchandise

The CBCA produces a range of promotional items, including stickers for publishers to place on winning and honour books, and support materials for teachers, teacher librarians and public librarians. The range is always changing and developing.

CBCA Conference

The Conference is a way to connect with fellow literary colleagues and immerse yourself in children’s literature providing a unique learning and networking opportunity for teacher librarians, authors, illustrators, publishing professionals, educators or simply children’s book lovers.

Donate

Throughout the year, we work in partnership with authors, illustrators, publishers and booksellers to bring literature into the hearts and minds of children. Your donation will help us continue this important work.

Reading Time

The CBCA has a strong commitment and a long history of reviewing Australian children's books. For many of the seventy years CBCA has been in existence reviews were presented in our print journal Reading Time.